Curator’s statement
Zagreb during Advent is one of Europe’s most charming and family-friendly winter destinations. I just visited for the first time with my own children and love how walkable, festive, and genuinely joyful the city feels in December. From ice skating under twinkling lights to cozy treats like fritule (fried dough balls) and kuhano vino (mulled wine), Zagreb delivers a magical holiday experience without the crowds or stress of larger Christmas markets. It’s an ideal long weekend for families looking to slow down and savor the season.
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Day 1: Arrive in Zagreb & explore Zrinjevac
Enjoying the Fooling Around Advent market at Esplanade Hotel
Arrive in Zagreb and check into your hotel before heading out for an easy evening stroll to ease into the holiday atmosphere.
Begin at Zrinjevac, where festive lights, live music, and food stalls immediately set the tone. This is the perfect time to sample fritule, Croatia’s beloved mini doughnuts, and warm up with kuhano vino for adults or hot chocolate for kids.
If you’re staying at Hotel Esplanade Zagreb, you don’t even have to go far—there’s a charming Advent market right outside the hotel.
A note from Karyn
Keep the evening relaxed and early, especially if you’re traveling that day.
Day 2: Enjoy the Zagreb Funicular & Christmas tram
Evening ice skating at Ledeni Park
Start the day with breakfast before heading toward Upper Town, riding the Zagreb Funicular—one of the shortest in the world and a favorite with kids.
Explore St. Mark’s Square and walk through the WWII-era Grič Tunnel, an engaging and easy-to-navigate historical site that works well for families.
After lunch featuring traditional štrukli, spend the afternoon browsing Advent stalls and enjoying festive treats around Ban Jelačić Square.
Hop on the cheerful Veseli Božićni Tramvaj (Christmas Tram) to ride back toward your hotel, complete with Santa and Croatian Christmas songs.
Families can also sign kids up for weekend skating lessons in the mornings, but be sure to head to Ledeni Park (Ice Park Zagreb) in the evening for ice skating under the lights—an Advent highlight. Tickets should be purchased online or earlier in the day, as evening sessions often sell out.
After skating, enjoy a relaxed, family-friendly dinner at Batak Centar Cvjetni.
Day 3: Museums & more Advent cheer
My kids enjoying the 80's Museum Zagreb on a previous trip
Enjoy a slower morning before choosing one final experience based on your family’s interests—Zagreb is home to more than 50 museums, many of them wonderfully unique.
The Nikola Tesla Technical Museum offers interactive exhibits that are especially engaging for curious kids, while the Zagreb Chocolate Museum provides a fun, educational, and delicious farewell to the city. From the Museum of Broken Relationships to quirky collections dedicated to the 1980s, unfinished art, and even mushrooms, there truly is something for everyone.
Before departure, grab one last treat from the Advent markets and soak in the holiday atmosphere one final time.
Need to know
Zagreb is compact and highly walkable, making it easy to explore without a car, and the city’s tram system is a convenient way to get around.
Dress warmly and plan for layers, as evenings can be cold but especially lively during Advent.
Markets are busiest after dark and on weekends, so purchasing skating tickets in advance and visiting stalls earlier in the day with kids can make the experience more enjoyable.
Travel Advisor
Karyn Pavich
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Zagreb page.